Leather Care Tips

Leather, when properly maintained, will last four or five times longer than fabric or man-made fibers. Over time, body oils, perspiration, skin acids and other soils can work their way into the leather.

Many cleaning products currently on the market are not appropriate for leather – and they may break down leather finishes, promoting dryness and cracking.

Chem-Dry leather care products are safe and effective for leather and have been endorsed by more than 300 tanneries and manufacturers.

Various types of leather require different care processes

• Aniline - Also known as natural, pure, naked or unprotected leather.
• Protected - Also known as finished semi-aniline, everyday, pigmented and painted leather.
• Nubuck - Also known as chaps, distressed, bomber and suede leather.

Scuffs, Scratches, Cuts and Fading

Over the life of your furniture, you are bound to experience some of the common problems associated with leather furniture. Our Chem-Dry Certified Technicians are trained to address these problems. Chem-Dry has 60 stock pigment colors similar to those used in the tanning process to repair the inevitable scrape or scratch on protected leathers. We can also revitalize color on sensitive aniline leathers.

Why Should I Clean & Protect My Leather?

• Oils & Grease - Body oils from both humans and animals attach and hold on to leather. Body oils are easily transferred to the head cushions and armrests of the furniture and can cause serious damage to the protective finishes found on leather.
• Atmospheric Soils - Consider the dust that builds up on a coffee table or desk over a week’s time. This same dust is being deposited on your leather. Additionally, consider the airborne cooking oils and atmospheric pollution that are present, to some degree, in every home. These elements can wear down leather over time.
• Common Soils - These soils include dirt tracked in from outside along with sand and fibers from plants, brought into the home by people and pets.
• Dyes and Inks - The inks from newspapers and dyes from denim can transfer onto leather in a process called dye transfer. Additionally, the risk of ink from a leaky pen or the aspiring toddler who loves to draw should not be forgotten.

How Often Should I Clean My Leather?

A regular cleaning schedule includes professional cleaning two times a year. Between professional cleanings, you can maintain the health and beauty of your leather furniture by cleaning with Chem-Dry Soft Cleaner and rejuvenating the protection with Chem-Dry Protection Cream. Both products are found in the Chem-Dry Home Leather Care Kit.